Committee backs electric‑preferred reach code and municipal electrification steps, asks for electric‑ready amendment

The Land Use & Transportation Committee on Dec. 9 advanced two climate‑oriented ordinances: a municipal code change requiring new municipal buildings and major renovations to be all‑electric, and an electric‑preferred reach code that raises energy‑performance requirements for private buildings that continue to use natural gas.

Supervisor Mandelmann framed the measures as a three‑step strategy toward San Francisco’s 2030 and 2050 climate goals: (1) lead by example with municipal buildings, (2) adopt an electric‑preferred reach code for private construction, and (3) pursue a broader ban on natural gas in new construction next year after additional stakeholder work. Debbie Raphael of the Department of the Environment said the municipal ban addresses climate, safety and public‑health risks associated with natural gas and noted that new City reach‑code provisions must be submitted to the California Energy Commission for cost‑effectiveness review.

Committee members supported the measures but asked staff to duplicate the reach‑code file so the Board can quickly add an 'electric‑ready' requirement for mixed‑fuel buildings and projects already in the pipeline. Advocates from the Climate Emergency Coalition, 350 San Francisco, Sierra Club, and Physicians for Social Responsibility urged a stronger electric‑ready provision; the Sierra Club said it had collected petitions in support. Industry speakers — mechanical engineers, building‑trade representatives and electrification proponents — told the committee that all‑electric designs and heat‑pump technology are feasible for many building types. The Bay Area Council and business groups emphasized job creation and impact‑fee revenue associated with major projects and urged balanced implementation.

Because the municipal ordinance (item 5) includes a fiscal impact, the chair referred it to a fiscal committee for further review; the electric‑preferred item (item 6) will be duplicated so amendments can add electric‑ready language for projects already permitted or approved. Committee members asked staff to engage labor and environmental stakeholders in early 2020 to craft the broader ban and retrofit strategies.

What happens next: Item 5 (municipal electrification) will be referred to a fiscal committee for review; Item 6 (reach code) will be duplicated, amended to add electric‑ready language, and returned to the Board for a final vote. The mayor’s office and departments will join stakeholder sessions before a city‑wide ban is proposed.